Water rights guide
Denver Basin aquifers + Fountain Creek basin
How to look up water rights in El Paso County, Colorado
Rural residential outside Colorado Springs typically relies on Denver Basin aquifer wells. Understanding non-tributary vs. not-non-tributary status of the aquifer under a parcel is critical.
Where to pull the records
- Aquifer determinations
DWR — Denver Basin rules distinguish four aquifers with different rules per parcel.
- Well permits
DWR — Denver Basin permits are tied to overlying land ownership.
Local quirks to know
- • Denver Basin water is finite — pumping is allocated over a 100-year life, not a perpetual right.
- • Selling off a portion of a parcel proportionally reduces the retained aquifer allocation.
TerraScope automates these lookups for El Paso County properties. Run an evaluation or see report tiers.
Educational information only. Not legal advice.